ComplementsHSK 5
Complement 着
The complement 着 (zháo) attaches to a verb to indicate that an action achieved its intended result, such as 睡着 (fall asleep), 找着 (find), or 买着 (succeed in buying). Remember that this 着 is pronounced 'zháo' and not 'zhe', which marks ongoing actions. It often appears in negative sentences with 没 to show failure to achieve the result.
Structure
Verb + 着
着 is pronounced 'zháo'; indicates achieving a result or purpose.
Examples
- 宝宝刚睡着。Bǎobao gāng shuì zháo .The baby just fell asleep.
- 你的手机找着了吗?Nǐ de shǒujī zhǎo zháo le ma?Did you find your cell phone?
- 超市关门了,你要的东西我没买着。Chāoshì guānmén le, nǐ yào de dōngxi wǒ méi mǎi zháo .The supermarket is closed. I didn't buy things that you need.
- 我终于见着你了。Wǒ zhōngyú jiàn zháo nǐ le.I have finally met you.
- 最近太忙了,他累着了。Zuìjìn tài máng le, tā lèi zháo le.I've been so busy lately, he's tired.